How to Start a Vintage Vespa

How to Start a Vintage Vespa

[freelancephotog]

Even if you know this stuff it is still good to listen to it again and for a lot new Vespa owners it's a revelation. Keep up the good work.

[jayasimhay]

My grandpa had one of these old Vespas . I remember being his pillion rider while I was a kid

[yolandaleigh]

Thank you so muc for your wonderful experience and sharing it!! I have a 125cc Primavera 1974. Worked well when I had it shipped from Calgary...but then couldnt get it started. Tilting to the side really helped and half throttle. So now I am super happy. It had been sitting for awhile so I gave it a good run today!! Growing up in England ad one when I was younger. So great to experience it again!! Your videos are really helpful...and i always get my parts from your shop.

[vanburman]

Thanks really helped me out just bought my first geared one a T5 and struggled for longer than I care to admit.

[OpenRoader]

Always great information. 2 strokes can be fussy, but when dialed in, they are great. That things sounds good!

[AntonioBarba_TheKaneB]

I miss my PK Vespa, the sound of a vintage Vespa always gets me emotional

[sebastianreyes]

Kick ass video, got a vespa px 150 1995 just yesterday, having some trouble to start ir, but these video really helped me !!!! Greetings from Bogotá - Colombia !!!

[claudiapfiffner]

that was really helpful, especially the tilting of the vespa. Thank you very much

[KipBurbank]

Appreciate the Rally videos. Just picked up a 74 tonight. 1436 miles. Not running but all loose and free. Electronics are in place too. Original owner, documented since birth. I’ll post a vid eventually. 👍

[williamhowardwh]

Nice video. Fist vespa I learned on was the rally 200. You and I ride together last year in Arizona.

[richbravo]

Thanks Robot, great tips. I’ve always wanted a Vespa and hope to get one in the near future. I’m originally from San Diego, been living in the Bay Area for 25+ years now. Would love to come by the shop sometime.

[shaneevans]

Thank you, Robot! I'm currently in Paros, Greece and will attempt to start Aviator47's PX 125 today.

[johnzervoudakis]

One more great & very useful video!!! Thanks Robot!!

[sugardaddy]

Such a really good video, thank you for making this.

[neilkennykenny]

Thanks for that knowing how to drain the carb for storage is handy.

[korling]

looking forward to your next road trip video - you guys are great!

[jd-pynm]

wish we had better weather here in idaho so I could ride year round! Mine sometimes has to have the throttle held open to kickstart its old and may have some of the problems you mention here nice video!

[queenogress]

I had to tweak the starting procedure. I always turn the fuel tap off. I never know when I am going to run it again. Before I start it I turn the tap on, open the choke and tilt the Vespa to the right for 5 seconds. That allows gravity to take place and the fuel flows to the carb. I wait 10 seconds and kick twice. With my VBB it takes 2 more kicks when it's cold - and it starts every time. There is no "correct" procedure to start these babies - each are individual and have their own special "touch" to get them started. I might take your recommendation on the fuel tap in the future and leave it open and just kill the engine during the warm months. I have found that excess fuel dries up in the float bowl and creates a mess. To each his or her own.

[itsleo]

This guy is a vespa wizard, what a resource.

[bringard]

Thank you... I have such a hard time starting... Some very helpful information.. I will be trying the ideas. Recently I had a conversation with some car/bike guys. They are saying with a 2 stroke the throttle is really just giving it more air. And when cold I shouldn't be using the throttle - as I'm adding too much air. My scoot is p125x.. I'm beginning to think I've been flooding it.. So let me ask a real novice question - what is happening when you twist on the throttle - ?? Air, , Gas, combo of both? Thanks... I love riding it - but I've gotten left behind because she wouldn't start... but after it starts and it will start... still it sits too long...
Thanks you..